Molokai, Hawaii: Hotel Molokai & Hula Shores Restaurant Review

On Kamiloloa Beach just outside of the largest town of Kaunakakai you’ll find one very special hotel, Hotel Molokai.  Special for many reasons, but unique in that it’s the only hotel on the island of Molokai.  You’ll find condos, rentals, and maybe even some campsites on the island, but as a tourist, Hotel Molokai is your very best bet, this was our postcard-worthy-view each and every day from our room…!

When visitors come to the island, there are few extra-curricular activities, thus relaxation is first and foremost on their mind.  We overheard many tourists speak of their return to the island for it’s most Hawaiian experience, they are there to getaway from it all in all aspects, though the creature comforts of home you can still find at Hotel Molokai.  From the outside, bungalows that blend in with the style and feel of the island, nothing flashy.  Though once you open the door to your room, the modern Polynesian decor and technology will please even the pickiest traveler.

Approaching our bungalow, the plumeria trees, flowers, and palms gave us the necessary feast for our senses as a tropical island usually does.

As far as our home for the next 3 nights, our bed was the best part of the room, the tans, turquoise, and copper colors and throw pillows gave this beach sanctuary such a cozy feel I looked forward to it each and every night.

Alarm clock, ironing board, AC unit, microwave, coffee maker, and fridge plus the free wi-fi and cable television made this getaway up to date with modern amenities if you absolutely need it, but we maybe watched one television show in the 3 nights we were there! Our television was the endless view outside our lanai.  The table and chairs made this a staple spot for reading and the porch swing had a wide seat that you could throw a pillow on and take that afternoon nap!

Between our room and the sparkling pool was a set of 3 hammocks for even more relaxing, napping, or reading.  My husband found this shady spot with an amazing view HIS spot to be if I ever needed to find him.  
Hula Shores Restaurant

The hotel restaurant, Hula Shores has an amazing variety of steaks, seafood, salads and more, plus great happy hour bites like quesadillas and french fries are guaranteed to appease your appetite.  Along with a full bar, you can dine all 3 of your meals on site and you MUST try their Hula Cakes for breakfast topped with bananas and macadamia nuts, topped with syrup or coconut syrup, you will NOT want to leave the island!  I loved the steak dinners, enough food to share between the two of us, leaving room for drinks and dessert!Adjacent to the pool there’s a stage for nightly music, but if you can, stay over on a Friday night which is Aloha Friday!

The weekend begins with the Aloha Friday Sunset Celebration. Na Kupuna, Hawaiian “aunties” who entertain through music, hula and mana’o (wisdom), share tales of island lore and culture. Festivities include an age-old island torch lighting ceremony, artisan wares, and a live band all evening.

What a blast, this is just like a family party, the nights and company are warm, friendly, and it’s a huge event for the island for tourists and locals alike!  We arrived on the island at 11am, reached the hotel at noon, and stayed poolside ate and drank and  finally headed back to our room around 11pm that night and the music played (Hawaiian and modern hits) well until 1-2 am, it was amazing!  As every night, we slept with our lanai door open (though they have latch locks) and fell asleep to the music very contently.

Concierge is available on site to direct you to the tour or excursion of your choice, plus there is a small gift shop for your basic needs.    If I had to find something that could be improved on, it would be the hot water in the shower.  We only used it once a day and the water was warm for just a few short minutes (3-4) enough to do a quick hair wash.  Also, there is no direct access to the beach from the property, though there are a few chaise lounges by the pool if you’re quick enough to secure one.  The pool is closed nightly while the music events are happening, and I had wished for a spa to watch the sunset in, but the view was stellar regardless.

Our stay at Hotel Molokai was a great one. The property is beautiful and is run very well, and has everything you need to have a relaxing Hawaiian experience.

Many thanks to the Molokai Visitor’s Bureau for hosting our stay and 2 breakfasts. Gratuities were ours as well as all our opinions.